Twenty-Two Manufacturers Showcase Innovative Home Improvement Products
Supporting Local Manufacturing Opportunities At Home Depot Canada's Annual
"Meet the Buyer" Event
TORONTO, Nov. 7, 2012 /CNW/ - Twenty-two small and medium-sized manufacturers
from Ontario and Quebec showcased their innovative home improvement products
to Home Depot Canada merchants today.
The third annual "Meet the Buyer" is a partnership program with The Home Depot
Canada, the Ontario Ministry of Economic Development and Innovation, and the
Quebec Ministry of Economic Development, Innovation and Export Trade. The
program opens new retail channels for small and medium Ontario and
Quebec-based businesses - bringing products to market that will drive
innovation, sustainability, economic opportunity and create jobs.
Manufacturers of promising products are awarded a trial in select Home Depot
locations, with the ultimate goal being national availability. As a result
of the second Innovation for Sustainability "Meet the Buyer" event held last
November in Ottawa, there are 25 innovative and sustainable products now
available at select Home Depot locations in London, Ottawa and online.
Products include organic waste bins, a two-in-one generator and a collapsible
rain barrel.
QUOTES
"Innovation is key to competitiveness and success. This great collaboration of
Ontario, Quebec and The Home Depot Canada helps our innovative manufacturers
seize opportunities in the home improvement market - creating local jobs and
supporting the economy."
- Brad Duguid, Ontario Minister of Economic Development and Innovation
"This initiative showcases that through innovation and evolution, our
manufacturing sector remains resilient and continues to be a primary economic
engine within the province. Innovation for Sustainability is aligned with our
economic strategy, which includes stimulating innovation, job creation and
economic growth in the manufacturing service and related sectors.
- Jean-François Lisée, Quebec Minister of International Relations, La
Francophonie and External Trade
"We were very impressed with the caliber of product submissions. At The Home
Depot Canada, we're committed to nurturing small and medium-sized
manufacturers as they build the capacity they need to do business with a
large-scale retailer."
- Jeff Kinnaird, Vice President of Merchandising, The Home Depot Canada
QUICK FACTS
-- Introduced in Ontario in October 2010, the program opened to
Quebec manufacturers in 2011.
-- Since the program started in 2010, 115 manufacturers have
participated, with 40 offered in-store trials.
-- To qualify a product must be innovative, made for retail sale
to home improvement customers and designed, manufactured or
assembled in Ontario or Quebec.
-- The Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement
specialty retailer, with 180 stores across 10 Canadian
provinces.
Brigitte Marleau Sr. Advisor, Media and Communications Ministry of Economic
Development and Innovation Office (416) 325 2479 Brigitte.Marleau@ontario.ca
Christine Fréchette Press Attachée Ministry of International Relations, La
Francophonie and External Trade (514) 873-6708 52040
Christine.frechette@mri.gouv.qc.ca
Erika Botond Public Relations & Communications Manager The Home Depot Canada
Office (416) 412-6760 Erika_Botond@homedepot.com
SOURCE: Home Depot Canada
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CO: Home Depot Canada
ST: Ontario
NI: RET NP
-0- Nov/07/2012 12:00 GMT